NCJ Number
182924
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 48 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2000 Pages: 100-102
Date Published
April 2000
Length
3 pages
Annotation
No matter how well a police officer masters skills and engages in physical training, the essential element in safely resolving a confrontation is mental preparation.
Abstract
Proper mental preparation begins with the belief that one has some control over his/her life and future. The key to superior officer survival tactics lies in believing that no matter how scared or excited an officer becomes, he/she can control his/her response in a situation. The physiological response can be controlled by the mind. Training to put the locus of control in the choices of the officer is the key to mental preparation for survival. Another key to a winning confrontation lies in what officers believe about themselves. It is important that officers believe that the skills they have developed and the training they have undergone gives them the tools to master any situation and any tactics used by a suspect. Officers must also be mentally prepared to seriously injure or even kill a potential assailant. This involves a premeditated mental preparation for living with a future that includes having used deadly force against another human being. If this mental preparation is not achieved, an officer probably will never select the necessary course of action in a high-stress event. Officers will not be prompt and skillful in using their weapons unless they believe they have the right to take the life of a person who is trying to kill them.